Re: How to take door-panel off (archive)

OK, got a 87 735i here, so here's what I did. Assume you've got a really nice flat & thin old screwdriver or the like for prying, as well as some good clean rags for apdding and access to an 8mm socket (I think from memory) for the nuts

OK.
Open door fully.

start at outside edge of long piece of wood trim, pull back in towards the car (eg pivot at end near the inside door release). They're aluminium backed, so they're not that fragile. Beware pulling too far as the very last edge fits in BEHIND the lock pull plate.

do the same for the short wood trim at the "front" of the door. Again, the last part dovetails being the door pull so be careful.

get a fine screwdriver and gently lever out the mirror switch, then undo the harness.

get your right-sized socket and undo the two bolt-screws from either side of the door release.

unscrew the lock/unlock "pin" from the wire and remove

Optional: remove the courtesy light bulb or fitting. I know some people say remove the whole fitting - I couldn't and didn't want to stress the "dried-out" plastic (too much heat makes it look brown). I just got the panel down and unplugged mine...

OK, now remove the trim. Pop fastenings all around the edge, and a sort of "up and over" set of three spring clips along the top - the inside aluminium trim stays with the door, so having your window up will not matter (not like japanese normal practice). Yes, the trim backing can flop away a couple of inches from the frame of the door pocket.

Remove any wiring and the lock release wire (pulls down and out) and you should see the innards

Have fun.

Max F

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